In the pharmaceutical industry, Hetrazan 100 mg (containing Diethylcarbamazine Citrate/DEC) is a specialized Anthelmintic (anti-worm) agent. As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I view this molecule as highly specific; its treatment duration is not universal but is strictly dictated by the type of parasite being targeted and the “worm load” of the patient.
At your WHO-GMP facility in Mumbai, where you likely manufacture this for both domestic use and export to endemic regions, providing precise duration guidelines is critical for clinical success and for your B2B technical dossiers.
Treatment Duration by Indication
The duration for Hetrazan ranges from a single week to several months, depending on the severity and location of the infection.
| Indication | Standard Duration | Common Adult Dosage |
| Lymphatic Filariasis | 12 to 21 Days | 100 mg (1 tablet) TID (thrice daily) |
| Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia | 14 to 21 Days | 6 mg/kg/day (often 2 tablets TID) |
| Loiasis (Eye Worm) | 3 Weeks (21 Days) | Titrated up from 50 mg to 9 mg/kg/day |
| Toxocariasis (Larva Migrans) | 7 to 10 Days | 6 mg/kg/day in divided doses |
| Mass Drug Administration (MDA) | Once Yearly | Single dose (usually 300 mg) |
Mechanism: The “Surface Exposure” Strategy
Hetrazan works through a unique two-step process that makes it distinct from other anthelmintics like Albendazole.
Immobilization: It hyperpolarizes the microfilariae (larval worms), effectively paralyzing them and causing them to dislodge from the deep tissues.
Surface Alteration: It alters the outer surface (cuticle) of the worm. This “strips” the worm’s protective coating, making it “visible” to the host’s immune system.
The Result: The patient’s own white blood cells (phagocytes) then recognize and destroy the parasites. This is why a full course is required—the immune system needs time to “clean up” the immobilized worms.
The Pharmacist’s “Technical Warning”
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The “Mazzotti Reaction”: As the worms die, they release foreign proteins that can cause an intense immune response (fever, rash, joint pain, or asthma). This is not an allergy to the drug, but a sign that the drug is working.
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Always Take After Food: Hetrazan is slightly acidic and can cause gastric irritation. Taking it after a full meal significantly improves patient compliance.
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Eye Check Requirement: For patients with high “worm loads” (especially in Loiasis), a second-line eye examination is recommended, as dying worms near the retina can cause temporary visual disturbances.
The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Technical & Export
From a production and B2B standpoint at your facility in Mumbai:
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The “Combination Therapy” USP: On your digital marketplace, highlight that for Filariasis, Hetrazan is often used in combination with Albendazole or Ivermectin. Providing both in your portfolio makes you a “One-Stop” supplier for national health programs.
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Stability for Export: Diethylcarbamazine Citrate is stable but highly sensitive to moisture. To maintain a 24–36 month shelf life in Zone IVb tropical regions, utilizing PVDC-coated PVC with Aluminum foil or Alu-Alu blisters is the industry standard.
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Dossier Support: We provide full CTD/eCTD Dossiers to support your firm’s registration in international government tenders for the Global Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF).